Cracked Eggs and Chicken Soup - A Memoir of Growing Up Between The Wars: A Memoir of Growing Up Between The Wars

In this memoir, the author shares his experiences growing up in the East End of London during the pre-Welfare State era, including living in overcrowded houses, relying on charity, and witnessing the turbulent times of the Depression and the rise of fascism. He also expresses affection for the area and its unique mix of people and the vanished aspects of everyday life.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 304 pages
\n Publication date: 03 May 2018
\n Publisher: John Blake Publishing Ltd
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In this captivating memoir, the author delves into the depths of his childhood, unveiling not only the profound impact it had on his family but also shedding light on a significant segment of social history that encompasses the struggles of ordinary working-class individuals living in the impoverished slums of London's East End during the pre-Welfare State era. Through his heartfelt and occasionally fervent prose, he vividly depicts the cramped living conditions, with families of up to eight children sharing just two or three rooms, relying on charity and soup kitchens for sustenance, and scraping together meager incomes by purchasing stale bread, cracked eggs, and other affordable food from itinerant street vendors.

Yet, this memoir extends beyond personal experiences, serving as a chronicle of a turbulent period in British history, particularly in the East End, which was home to a sizable Jewish and Irish population. Here, the author offers an eyewitness account of the Depression, witnessing the provocative marches led by Sir Oswald Mosley's British Union of Fascists through the area, culminating in the infamous Battle of Cable Street. The clash between the fascists and a united front of Jewish, Irish, communist, and socialist protestors resulted in the fascists being turned back, marking a pivotal moment in the history of the region.

What sets this memoir apart is the author's deep affection for the area and its unique blend of people. He reminisces fondly about the music hall, the two-valve radio, and the first Cup Final played at Wembley, capturing the essence of a bygone era that has long since vanished. Norman Jacobs' writing not only provides a poignant glimpse into his own childhood but also offers a valuable window into the lives of those who lived in the East End during a challenging and transformative period in history.

\n Weight: 236g\n
Dimension: 130 x 197 x 19 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781786068798\n \n